Reviews of what I'm reading. Mostly in the Horror genre, but you never know.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Tin Men - by Christopher Golden - A fresh take on military science fiction

5 of 5 Stars Review copy

Another book packed with action and built on a terrific premise. In the future, hot spots around the globe are kept under control by Remote Infantry Units. The men and women who control these machines are all stationed in an ultra secure underground location at the Wiesbaden Army Airfield in Germany. At least that's where their bodies are while their minds are elsewhere controlling the Tin Men.
With both men and women participating in the project, why didn't they call them Tin Soldiers instead of Tin Men. The book provides a great answer.

"The Tin Men were mostly utilized for meddling in the business of other nations. They ended civil wars, oversaw fair elections, removed dictators, and by their mere presence they ended regional conflicts. Nobody seemed to notice that Remote Infantry Units had not invaded Russia or claimed the Middle Eastern oil fields for the United States or toppled any governments that weren't involved in actively torturing or murdering their citizens. Oppression was being suffocated and the result was a more just and peaceful world,, achieved through force and intimidation."
Of course not everyone is happy with the stability provided by the U.S.and one day the unthinkable happens. I don't want to spoil the experience with the hows and whys of what occurs. You really should read this one for yourself.

In some ways the concept reminded me of Avatar, but there were numerous differences. The story also read like John Scalzi's Old Man's War, but overall Tin Men is wildly original and a fast paced read.

As fantastical a story as this is, it's filled with truth. A sound tale, well told. As much about the people as it is about the conflict.

Available now in hardback, paperback, e-book and audio-book. Published by Ballantine Books.